Students take the initiative to support Lewisham Foodbank

Level 2 Business students at Lewisham College have donated £375 cash and around £400 worth of essential supplies to Lewisham Foodbank, having run a campaign to encourage their fellow students to support the programme.

The donations were presented by Principal Asfa Sohail to Carol Bostridge, CEO of Lewisham Foodbank, on Monday 17 June.

The initiative was started by Business and Finance tutor Gulay Lawrence to raise learners’ awareness of local social issues, as part of a module on ‘Business Communication’. Following a visit from Carol Bostridge at the beginning of the year, the 17 Business students threw themselves into organising the campaign, which included making presentations to fellow students about the vital work the Foodbank does, and designing posters and flyers to drive donations.

Students across the College were asked to add one or two items to their weekly food shop and bring them along to the collection point at the College between 23 April and 17 May – or to make a cash donation.

Gulay Lawrence said: “The students have used their business skills in a very positive way. They have run an effective campaign which has prompted other students and staff to take action. They have made a real difference to local people living below the poverty line, and I’m very proud of their achievement.”

There are now plans to repeat the Foodbank initiative at the College in the next academic year.

Lewisham Foodbank was used by 7,000 people in 2018, which was a 16% increase on the previous year. The Foodbank welcomes donations of essential items, particularly breakfast cereal, tinned foods, rice, noodles, chocolate treats and toiletries. Find out more at www.lewisham.foodbank.org.uk.

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